The importance of healthy hamstring muscles

The hamstring muscles are a muscle group located at the back of the thigh (made up of three muscles: the semitendinosus, semimembranosus and biceps femoris), as well as being the site of important sports injuries, such as fibre rupture with long recovery periods, they are a good health marker for the average person.

Shortened hamstrings limit activities as basic as walking, bending and driving.

Hamstrings in poor condition increase the risk of very common pathologies that can be quite disabling:

• herniated disc
• low back pain
• sciatica
• knee and hip osteoarthritis

In addition to other injuries associated with sport:

• ACL tears and other knee sprains
• meniscus tears

The above two due to their function as “guardians” of knee stability.

• iliotibial band problems
• the aforementioned fibrillar ruptures
• tendinitis, contractures, fatigue…

Testing the health of your hamstrings is easy

You can find out what condition your hamstrings are in, with a simple test

While standing, try to touch the ground without bending your knees,

Do it next to a chair or a table to help you return to the standing position without hurting your back.

If you do not succeed, even if you do not feel any pain or discomfort, the areas of influence of these muscles: lumbar, hips and knees are already functioning inadequately.

In order to avoid the aforementioned pathologies, it is time to take preventive measures. Only one exercise is necessary.